Monza vs Avellino – News and Probable Lineups

As they prepare for the upcoming return to the top division, Monza is set to host Avellino at U-Power Stadium for a first-round Coppa Italia clash this Friday.

The Biancorossi secured promotion back to Serie A last season, while their Campanian opponents fell short and are gearing up for another season in the second tier.

Match overview

With one of the most formidable rosters in Serie B, Monza bounced back to Italy’s top flight immediately, making it through via the playoffs last season.

Despite finishing level on aggregate with Catanzaro in the playoff final at 2-2, Monza’s superior league placement of third secured them the final playoff spot after Venezia and Frosinone.

However, the appointment of head coach Paolo Bianco was followed by his departure to Pisa, with ex-Roma and Southampton manager Ivan Juric taking over the reins.

Monza is poised to commence their Serie A season with a challenging fixture against the reigning champions, Inter de Milão, but first must navigate their Coppa Italia matchup.

Having enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, including a notable win against Turkish giants Galatasaray, the Biancorossi are ready to face Avellino.

In their previous Serie B meetings last season, both teams recorded 2-1 victories at home, with goals from Patrick Cutrone and Monza captain Matteo Pessina during their last encounter in February.

Although Avellino could not secure promotion to Serie A along with Monza, their first season following elevation from Serie C surpassed many expectations.

Finishing eighth, ahead of numerous larger clubs, they were eliminated in the initial playoff round by the eventual finalists, Catanzaro.

The Biancoverdi commenced that campaign poorly, losing in the preliminary round of Coppa Italia to the lesser-known Audace Cerignola.

This time around, they aim to avoid another early exit in the cup under new leadership: World Cup champion Alessandro Nesta, who had a significant role in Monza’s relegation season and will face his former side this weekend.

Team News

With the league season approaching, Monza has been active in the transfer market, which may see new arrivals like Portugal Under-20 international Gustavo Varela take the field on Friday.

Additionally, Inter midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Southampton winger Jay Robinson have both joined the squad on loan.

Juric may opt for a less than full-strength starting XI, as he likely prioritizes the upcoming match at San Siro, but captain Pessina is expected to anchor the midfield for the hosts.

On the other hand, Avellino will be led by Greek midfielder Dimitris Sounas; he might be joined by Luca Di Maggio, who netted goals against Torino and Lazio in Avellino’s final summer friendlies.

Daniel Fila, a recent loan signing from Venezia, is in contention to lead the attack, while former Monza player Andrea Favilli is another option.

Monza probable starting XI:

Thiam; Kouadio, Delli Carri, Carboni; Birindelli, Akinsanmiro, Pessina, Mangas; Colpani, Mota; Cutrone

Avellino probable starting XI:

Martinelli; Cancellotti, Simic, Izzo, Moruzzi; Sounas, Palumbo, Di Maggio; Russo, Biasci; Line

With the bracket determined, the victors from Friday will advance to face either Torino or Carrarese in the second round at the beginning of next month.

While both sides will be considering their league campaigns, Monza is favored due to the advantage of playing at home and having a more extensive squad.